Tear gas, which goes by the chemical name o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile, or CS, can be dispensed either in projectiles like hand grenades or shells, or from gas generators, according to the New York Times. When used in grenade form, it incorporates pyrotechnic chemicals similar to the bursting explosives and flame-makers used in fireworks. The burning agents turn the CS into mist, and the pyrotechnics can start fires.

Another unconfirmed video posted to YouTube of television coverage from CBS 2 captures officers apparently saying, "burn it down, burn it down ... get the gas." Another officer says, "yeah, burn it down." The exchange happens around the 1:24 mark:

"Copy. Seven burners deployed and we have a fire," responds a female voice.

You can listen to the unconfirmed recording of the scanner transmissions below. The exchange about "burners" happens around the 1min mark.

If further investigation reveals that the fire was deliberately set by police officers, it brings back memories of the 1993 standoff in Waco, TX, which left 76 people dead. Controversy still remains on whether the fire was started by FBI use of incendiary tear gas canisters.

A spokesman with the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that "burners" is not a term that their department uses. "We would just say tear gas," he said. Multiple calls from Business Insider to San Bernardino Sheriff's Office, the organization with jurisdiction over the scene, went unanswered.